Cross Roads

Chapter 136 "She's my family affair, and none of you have any say in the matter." Dominick stood up abruptly, his presence commanding as he rose, his gaze sweeping over the assembled group with a voice that cut through the room like chilled steel, Stephanie stood by his side, and her brow furrowed in curiosity. Across from her, Mary, usually formidable, now wore a hint of unease, a rare sight that hinted at her apprehension of her own son.

A palpable tension settled over the room, silencing even the most casual whispers as everyone pondered the unfolding scene.

"Chere." George's command rang out, heavy and authoritative, before he turned and strode purposefully down the corridor.

Stephanie arched an eyebrow in surprise. She knew George was summoning Dominick, yet the latter showed no sign of moving "Dominick..." She discreetly tugged at his sleeve.

"Mr. Wellington, Mr. George Wellington wishes to speak with you about an urgent matter." Brad's voice was low, a gentle reminder in the midst of the tense atmosphere.

Dominick's face hardened with impatience, as if their return had disrupted a fragile equilibrium.

Mary had returned, along with Yvonne and Hayley, both back from their travels abroad.

Hayley, always on friendly terms with the family, approached with a warm smile, breaking the tension. "It's been over a month since our last meeting. Mr. George Wellington wants to speak with you about something important. You should go talk to him...

He cast a fleeting glance at Hayley standing before him, his lips tightening and his brow furrowing. With a decisive turn, he strode back down the corridor.

Stephanie remained rooted to the spot, her gaze fixed on his retreating form, a sense of indescribable melancholy settling in her heart.

"Hayley, just treat this place like home. Yvonne and I will tidy up a room for you." Mary's voice carried warmth as she spoke to Hayley, who was an outsider, yet she didn't spare Stephanie even a passing glance.

The maid ushered the recently returned mistress upstairs, leaving Stephanie and Hayley alone in the spacious living room.

"Hey there, it's been over a month! Looks like your belly has grown quite a bit, Hayley greeted her warmly, her movements graceful as she naturally took Stephanie's hand, guiding her to a seat. "Don't just stand there. Cand sit down." Stephanie's expression seemed delayed, simply nodding in response.

All of a sudden, Stephanie felt like an outsider.

busy with in Serenburg for over a month!" Stephanie hesitated before softly "Um, Hayley... would you mind tellingwhat Grandpa was so busy posing the question.

Hayley paused, momentarily taken aback by the inquiry. She recovered quickly, casual smile playing on her lips. "Didn't Dominick fill you Her words caused Stephanie's mood to plummet and she decided to just drop the subject.

Chapter 136 Hayley fell silent too, preparing herself a cup of coffee with careful, deliberate movements. Her fingers delicately turned the precious white cup, raising it to her lips for a sip.

"I don't need any of you to meddle in my business." At the eastern end of the corridor, the summer breeze was refreshing, carrying a gentle and comforting fragrance. Over by the lotus pond, the water lilies were in full bloom, their rare and noble varieties boasting purple petals and golden stamens, each blossom competing for admiration.

George leaned on his cane, standing by the edge of the pavilion, gazing thoughtfully at the vast expanse of beautiful lotus flowers before him, Dominick, standing behind him showed no interest in admiring the lotus flowers, growing somewhat impatient as he reiterated firmly, "I will handle my affairs. I don't need your...

"I'll be turning 81 in a few months" Suddenly, the old man turned around, his face still bearing an austere and dignified expression, yet unable to resist the marks of time.

George's droopy eyes stared directly at Dominick, his only grandson.

Dominick's eyes widened slightly in surprise. In that instant, under the scrutiny of the elderly man, his heart felt burdened. He pressed his lips tightly, suppressing a hint of frustration.

"Your mother... I agreed to her return." Perhaps with age ca longing to return to one's roots, which would allow one to let go of one's stubbornness gradually. He could now forgive those past grievances.

The past was already gone, and now...

"As for Oscar's matter, I knew you felt guilty, but he had already recovered. As for your affairs, I had already arranged for a doctor in Screnburg "My affairs don't concern you," he reiterated coldly.

"There's no need to worry!" Enraged, George slammed his cane fiercely against the floor. "Dominick, with a bullet in your brain, how can I not worry." Dominick's expression darkened slightly, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Without another word, he strode away in long, purposeful strides.

[Did George and the rest all return?] Stephanie returned to her bedroom, feeling inexplicably uneasy. Unsure of what to do, she grabbed her phone and clicked on her WhatsApp. intending to seek answers from Vincent, StephForce: [Grandpa pulled Dominick aside to talk, but I'm not sure what about. Any idea what he's been busy with in Serenburg? Vincent: [Don't worry about it.] Stephanie tightened her grip on her phone, her brow furrowing in frustration, StephForce: Why does Hayley get to know, but not me? She quickly sent off the message.

Chapter 135 Vincent's curiosity was piqued at the mention of Hayley. [Is Hayley also at Wellington Villa now? Suddenly, Stephanie didn't feel like responding. She stood by the window, her gaze distant as she watched the magnificent lotus pond in full bloom along the eastern corridor of Wellington Villa, her mind heavy with thoughts. Vincent: [Stephanie, please don't cause more trouble. Remember the chaos from yesterday? Are you feeling jealous now?] Vincent harbored deep resentment towards her, knowing her emotional tendencies well. He genuinely feared she might stir up trouble once again.

StephForce: [No.] Stephanie had encountered Hayley five times in total. It wasn't quite jealousy that she felt; rather, each encounter with Hayley left her subtly unsettled.

StephForce: [Vincent, be honest. Is Grandpa staying in Serenburg for so long related to Dominick? Does Dominick have something going on Her message had just been sent when the door abruptly swung open.

Stephanie locked eyes with Dominick standing before her, a pang of guilt causing her to quickly lock her phone. "Uh, what's happening?" She was caught off guard as he approached, wordlessly pulling her into his arms.

Dominick's tall, imposing figure om enveloped her small frame. "Stephanie "His vorce carried a hint of weariness as he rested his head against her shoulder. She melted into his embrace, his strong hands gently stroking her hair. "Stephanie..." He uttered her nsoftly, as if wanting to say more but hesitating.

"Are you exhausted? Maybe you should lie down and rest for a while." She tilted her head, studying the fatigue etched in his features.

Stephanie remained unusually calm and compliant, refraining from m argument or resistance. Today, in Dominick's eyes, she appeared remarkably obedient "I am a bit tired." He indeed lay down on the bed, closing his eyes to rest, and Stephanie found herself staying beside him, offering her silent companionship.

Lying beside him, Stephanie observed the furrowed lines on his out forehead. Gently, she reached out, her fingertips tracing lightly over his brow as if trying to soothe away his unseen worries. She had wanted to ask, "What did Grandpa say to you?" But she held her tongue.

He appeared genuinely fatigued, and Stephanie didn't want to burden him further.

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